Molinia caerulea
Indian grass
Clump-forming deciduous grass to 1.2m in height with thin, linear bright green leaves. Slender airy plumes of tiny dark purple flowers, (spikelets) on dainty yellow-tinted, arching stems, are held high above the foliage from summer to autumn. Stems and leaves turn orange and gold by late autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Purple | Green | |
| Autumn | Orange Gold | Purple Gold | Green Orange Gold | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Genus
Molinia are deciduous perennial grasses, tufted in habit, with flat, linear leaves and erect stems bearing open flowering panicles in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in full sun or part shade in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, but prefers neutral to acidic soil. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate species by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring. Pot up until established
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down dead foliage and old flowered stems, just before growth commences in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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